Between the Pages . . .

Several months ago we discovered a few posts of Challenges from our "ATC Workshop & Swap" Group that hadn't make their way to the Blog.  So, in an attempt to correct this oversight, and with apologies to the artists, here's the next installment in the series of what we'd like to call "The Forgotten Posts" . . .
     
Have you visited a library lately?  Are you familar with the area where old, discarded books are kept, usually sold for a dollar or less?  A lot of us these days do our reading on our computers or Kindles, so while these old books might seem like useless objects to some, to an artist they can easily be altered into glorious and fantastic works of art.  They might become the starting point for a wonderful album or maybe the start of an exciting art journal . . . the possibilities are endless!  When you look at an old book and you're told "be creative", what comes to your mind?  What would you create?  Where would you start?  That was the Challenge given at our "ATC Workshop & Swap Challenge" Group last November.  If you take a just minute and "think outside the box", each old book is actually just blank pages begging for all sorts of artistic touches.  Take a look at some of the amazing and creative results from our extremely talented group of artists . . .

     

This month's Challenger, Jeanette Lee, who just happens to work at the library, couldn't stop with just one ~ book that is!  To go along with the season, Jeanette created her first altered book in the shape of an Halloween "jack-o-latern" after carving its shape from an old discarded library book. To continue with the illusion, she pulled all the book pages together to meet and adhered them, forming a circular shape, then inked the page edges in bright orange.  As a finishing touch, she inserted a twisted floral stem into the center of the pages, and viola . . . it's a pumpkin!
Her second book was again created from another discarded library book into a beautiful art journal where she practices her many artistic talents & techniques.  To camouflage the original covers, she wrapped front & back with a favorite paper, then added fabric to the spine where she wove in coordinating beads & ribbons.
     

Charmaine Conway approached the Challenge in a little different direction.  She created deep texture & depth on the outside surfaces of her book using texture paste, then pressed a woodgrain embossing folder into the paste.  The embossing folder was removed while the paste was wet, leaving a wonderful moon crater-type surface.  When the texture paste was dry, a coating of rust was first applied, then highlighted with various metallic acrylic paints.  The book pages were adhered together along the edges, as well as to each cover, then painted in several shades of gold & copper metallic acrylic paints to give the illusion of an old book.  Nuts from the hardware store & pearls to mimic rivets were added as embellishments before painting, with a vintage style jewelry piece placed as the center focal point.
     
Deb Schinzel was another to play with layers & textures when creating her gorgeous altered book.  After collaging & layering torn book pages to the front & back covers, she then applied texture pastes using some of her favorite stenciling techniques.  Her choice of cool green & blue, along with warm cream, paints & accents set the color pallette both for the cover & throughout the pages of her book.  Wood & metal embellishments were added to the front cover, as well a dramatic "fly", which she first stamped on Clearly for Art plastic with archival ink, then heated to shape to create a 3-D effect.  Interior pages were first gesso'd, then stenciled & painted to continue with the overall feel & theme of the book.  To give the book that old & well-worn feel, Deb distressed the page edges before painting & inking in golds & browns to coordinate with the overall color scheme.  For those interested in seeing Deb's book in person, visit the store where it is proudly displayed.

Lylia Hagerty took the title of her discarded book, "Blue City", to heart.  First painting the exterior hard covers of her book in shades of blue, she torn out the title & cover art from the paper sleeve & applied each as embellishments.  Pages that were removed from the book were torn in random pieces & collaged on the back cover, allowing the embossed publishers mark to show through. Everything was then painted in the same blue shade as the front cover.  Inside pages were glued together, then carved out to form a shadow box effect, where Lylia added embellishments to emphasis the idea of a "blue city".  Each piece, if not originally blue, was first painted before being placed in the cut-out area. Beautiful background paper was added for additional interest, as well as Lylia's hand drawn cityscape.  To camouflage the existence of the cut-out, Lylia left the first few pages of the book in place, including the coversheet, but painted them to coordinate with the entire blue city theme.
     
Jean Hamrick is an artist who loves to draw, paint, & so much more . . . all of which she shared in the pages of her altered book.  To hide the lettering on the front cover, Jean painted a canvas board to match the color of the book , then adhered it to create a flat surface. Once secure, she hand drew, then painted, her beautiful Phoenix rising design in oranges & yellows to signify her art as always developing in new & exciting directions.  A second Phoenix was drawn & painted on the back cover in beautiful shades of blues & creams. Leaving the original pages of the book as they were, she emphasized words & phrases with markings in pens & inks.  She also added more of her hand drawn art, as well as collage pieces & everyday stamps & stickers to add to the feel of this book as a work-in-progress journal.  Jean has appropriately named her altered book "create" & says that she continues to do just that when a new thought comes to her or she learns of a new technique.  Just goes to prove that even an old book can make the perfect canvas for displaying your artistic thoughts & talents!

Shiela Rose was another artisit who ran with the Challenge by creating two books.  Her first has been created in an art journal style, the perfect place to keep many of her favorite techniques & designs.  With pages overflowing with collage, Zen Doodle designs, & the use of stencils & stamps, as well as beautiful colors of inks & sprays, Shiela has created the perfect "go-to" techniques reference book.  Prior to the addition of any technique, gesso was applied to each page to give her a clean slate for her designs.  Front & back covers were also decorated after a coat of gesso using her favorite paints, then stamped & stenciled with many of her favorite designs.  Shiela is a firm believer that it's not a true work of art without a stamp or two, and she's definitely proven that with this book!
Her second "altered book" didn't begin its life as a book, but actually as a plastic case to hold one of her grandchildren's DVR movies!  After first covering the case with plain white paper to create the shape of book covers, Shiela then added some bright  & springy patterned paper for her covers. To camouflage the spine of the case, she added glittery coordinating paper in pink, tying in the whole color scheme.  When finished, she's created a clever hiding spot for small items in a "book" that can easily be stored in any bookcase.
     
Any member of the group can "Challenge" the others with creating something special and unique.  Anyone who takes part creates one Challenge Item for "Show & Tell" using everyday mixed media materials . . . embellishments, paints, papers, stencils . . . whatever strikes their fancy! Without any themes or other guidelines, the ultimate goal is to showcase each artist's personality through the type(s) of embellishments, decorations, or techniques used.

Please join us in congratulating & thanking each artist for a job well done!  We'd love to hear what you think, so please leave us a comment . . . or two! . . . and share your thoughts.  And if you'd like to take part in our monthly "ATC Workshop & Swap" or Challenges, join us the second Thursday evening of each month from 6:00pm-8:00pm and you too can begin to think big in a small way!  No membership required and it's FREE!  Hope to see you there!

Watch for our next Challenge Results ~ Altered Hearts ~
coming soon!

CraftFusion

(480) 821-3758

2986 No. Alma School Rd. #4 ~ Chandler, AZ 85224

s/w corner of Alma School & Elliot Roads behind Bank of America

(located next to Catherine's & King's Buffet)

Tuesday - Saturday 10:00am-6:00pm  ~  Closed Sunday & Monday

www.craftfusionaz.com

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Command Performance for CHOCOLATE!

Join Cheryl Wildman on Friday, October 19th from 11:00am-4:00pm in a "Command Performance" of her newest installment in her exciting series of retro mini-albums . . . "It's All About CHOCOLATE!"  Filled with fun and humorous embellishments and quotes, you'll create your own unique album designed sure to make everyone laugh out loud with it's chocolate-inspired humor.  You'll learn new techniques of utilizing envelopes & tags that you can use in your future projects as you create this one-of-a-kind album full of retro embellishments, tags, and humorous quotes & sayings.  For anyone who's taken any of Cheryl's earlier album classes, you know each page will be chock full of surprises . . . tags, die cuts, ribbons, trims, and so much more!  With the holidays fast approaching, your finished album will make the perfect gift for anyone on your gift-giving list who loves chocolate and  appreciates retro design and humor . . . or you just may want to keep it for yourself!  And as a bonus, Cheryl will also be sharing a special demo on creating the fabric blooms that adorn the front cover!
Supplies to Bring: Basic Craft Kit (BCK), as well as any of your favorite embellishments, photos, and brads (optional ribbons for binder rings not included).

Cost:  $45.00
"It's All About CHOCOLATE!"
with Cheryl Wildman
SEATING IS LIMITED, so call

(480) 821-3758 NOW to make
your reservations & don't miss a
minute of this fun & exciting workshop!

Check the Workshop page on the
website at www.craftfusionaz.com
for more details,
 or stop in & take a look at the sample
 . . . you won't be disappointed!

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"It's All About CHOCOLATE!"

Join Cheryl Wildman on Friday, August 10th from 11:00am-4:00pm for the newest installment in her exciting series of retro mini-albums . . . "It's All About CHOCOLATE!"  Filled with fun and humorous embellishments and quotes, you'll create your own unique album designed sure to make everyone laugh out loud with it's chocolate-inspired humor.  You'll learn a new technique of utilizing envelopes & tags that you can use in your future projects as you create this one-of-a-kind album full of retro embellishments, tags, and humorous quotes & sayings.  For everyone who's taken any of Cheryl's earlier album classes, you know each page will be chock full of surprises . . . tags, die cuts, ribbons, trims, and so much more!  With the holidays fast approaching, your finished album will make the perfect gift for anyone on your gift-giving list who loves chocolate and  appreciates retro design and humor . . . or you just may want to keep it for yourself!  Supplies to Bring: Basic Craft Kit (BCK), as well as any of your favorite embellishments, photos, and brads (optional ribbons for binder rings not included).

Cost:  $45.00
SEATING IS LIMITED, so call

(480) 821-3758 NOW to make
your reservations & don't miss a
minute of this exciting class!

Check the Calendar page on the website at www.craftfusionaz.com for more details, or stop in & take a look at the sample . . . you won't be disappointed! Pin It

Retro Is In!

"Retro Housework Mini-Album"
with Cheryl Wildman
Friday, May 18th ~ 11:00am-4:00pm

Join Cheryl Wildman on Friday, May 18th from 11:00am-4:00pm for her next installment of exciting series of retro mini-albums . . . "Retro Housework Mini-Album".  Filled with fun and humorous embellishments and quotes, you'll create an unique album designed sure to make everyone chuckle.  You'll be smiling as you learn the construction and follow Cheryl's techniques in creating this incredible keepsake with its warm look and feel of days gone by.  For those who took Cheryl's "Retro Kitchen Mini-Album", you know that every page will be chock full of surprises . . . tags, die cuts, ribbons, trims, and so much more!  This album will make the perfect gift for anyone isn't exactly enthralled with housework, or who appreciates retro design and humor!

Check the Calendar page on the website at www.craftfusionaz.com for more details, but call (480) 821-3758 now to make your reservations . . . these classes fill fast and with limited seating, you won't want to miss out! Pin It

Let's Close out 2011 Together!!

Can you believe it?  December is just around the corner and 2011 is almost over . . . it's hard to believe another year has passed!  Make your plans now to come & join us for one of exciting classes before your schedule is full with all your holiday running around.  Have fun, make great projects, learn techniques you'll use over & over in all your projects . . . we have it all!  Be sure to sign up early for your favorite classes so you don't miss out on a minute of the fun . . . seating is limited and spaces fill up quickly. Check the website at www.craftfusionaz.com for details on these and all of our upcoming classes. Class fees always include all supplies and materials, unless otherwise noted.  And don't forget the 10% discount you'll receive on all your purchases the day of your class! (excludes sale items, future classes, & handmade or consignment items)

Come by & take a look at the project samples in the store ~
photos don't begin to do justice to these fantastic projects!

Call (480) 821-3758 now to save your space before they all fill up!

Thursday, December 1st

7:00-8:30pm

"HOW-TO-DO-IT!" Series
with Jack & Cat Curio           Cost: $25.00

THIS WEEK'S TOPIC ~ "Making Social Media Work for You - Blogging, Facebook, and More"

CLASS HAS SOLD OUT!!
Friday, December 2nd

10:30am-3:30pm

"CHRISTMAS ENVELOPE MINI ALBUM"
with Cheryl Wildman            Cost: $35.00 / $40.00 (cost of class includes lunch)

CLASS IS ALMOST SOLD OUT!!


Friday, December 2nd

6:30-8:30pm

"BOOK BINDING TECHNIQUES"
with Tina Wishart            Cost: $30.00
Get in on the ground floor of this new & exciting series available only at CraftFusion!

Saturday, December 3rd

10:00am-12:00 noon

"CRICUT TECHNIQUES"
with Nichole Russo          Cost: $20.00

Bring your machine & tools and learn the tricks & secrets to using these fun machines.  These classes fill up quick, so sign up now!! 

Thursday, December 8th

7:00-8:30pm

"WINTER GLITTER ORNAMENTS"
with Jack & Cat Curio           Cost: $45.00

Make your own sparkly & shimmery ornaments just in time for the upcoming holiday!

Friday, December 9th
10:00am-1:30pm
"PEACE" Banner       Cost: $35.00
with Sharon VanDussen
Create this gorgeous banner perfect for any season or any decor!

CLASS IS ALMOST SOLD OUT!!

Saturday, December 10th
10:30am-3:30pm
"BELIEVE IN THE MAGIC"
   Christmas Album
with Suzette Ricks     Cost: $85.00
(cost of class includes lunch)
Make your reservations now . . . don't miss out!

Thursday, December 15th

7:00-8:30pm

"HOW-TO-DO-IT!" Series
with Jack & Cat Curio           Cost: $25.00

THIS WEEK'S TOPIC ~ "Vendor & Trunk Shows, Consignment & Boutiques"

Be sure to watch the Calendar page at www.craftfusionaz.com for details on these and all of our upcoming projects . . . 2012 is already gearing up to be FUN, FUN, FUN and BUSY, BUSY, BUSY!!

Be sure to leave us your comments & suggestions to

let us know how we're doing.  We love hearing from you!

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It's Class Time . . .

Come & join us for one of our exciting classes . . . have fun, make great projects, and learn new techniques.  Be sure to sign up early so you don't miss out on a minute of the fun . . . seating is limited and spaces fill up quickly. Check the website at www.craftfusionaz.com for details on these and all of our upcoming classes. Class fees always include all supplies and materials, unless otherwise noted.  And don't forget the 10% discount you'll receive on all your purchases the day of your class! (excludes sale items, future classes, & handmade or consignment items)

Come by & take a look at the project samples in the store

Call (480) 821-3758 now to save your space before they all fill up!

Thursday, November 17th

7:00-8:30pm

"HOW-TO-DO-IT!" Series
with Jack & Cat Curio           Cost: $25.00

THIS WEEK'S TOPIC ~ "How to Choose & Set Up Your Online Store - Part 2"

Friday, November 18th
10:00am-3:00pm
"HOW-TO-DO-IT!" Series - OPEN LAB
with Jack & Cat Curio
Bring your lab top computer and get one-on-one personal attention with Jack & Cat Curio as they walk you through the mechanics of setting up your online store.  

Saturday, November 19th

10:00am-12:00 noon

"CRICUT TECHNIQUES"
with Nichole Russo          Cost: $15.00

Bring your machine & tools and learn the tricks & secrets to using these great machines.  These classes fill up quick, so sign up now!! 

Saturday, November 19th

1:00am-3:00pm

"CRICUT PROJECT"

with Nichole Russo          Cost: $20.00

Bring your basic tool kit & favorite adhesive to make a great project with Nichole!  Perfect compliment to the "Cricut Techniques" morning class - make a day of it!

Thursday, December 1st

7:00-8:30pm

"HOW-TO-DO-IT!" Series
with Jack & Cat Curio           Cost: $25.00
Join us for this very popular Series & learn the "Business Behind the Art"

CLASS HAS SOLD OUT!!
Friday, December 2nd

10:30am-3:30pm

"CHRISTMAS ENVELOPE MINI ALBUM"
with Cheryl Wildman            Cost: $35.00 / $40.00

Friday, December 2nd

6:30-8:30pm

"BOOK BINDING TECHNIQUES"
with Tina Wishart            Cost: $30.00
Get in on the ground floor of this new series available only at CraftFusion!

Friday, December 9th
10:00am-1:30pm
"PEACE" Banner
with Sharon VanDussen
Cost: $35.00
Create this sparkling banner perfect for any season or any decor!


LIMITED SEATING!!

Saturday, December 10th
10:30am-3:30pm
"BELIEVE IN THE MAGIC" Christmas Album
with Suzette Ricks     Cost: $85.00
Make your reservations early . . . this class is already filling up!

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November's Calendar . . .

Come & join us for one of our exciting classes . . . have fun, make great projects, and learn new techniques.  Be sure to sign up early so you don't miss out on a minute of the fun . . . seating is limited and spaces fill up quickly. Check the website at www.craftfusionaz.com for details on these and all of our upcoming classes. Class fees always include all supplies and materials, unless otherwise noted.  And don't forget the 10% discount you'll receive on your purchases the day of your class! (excludes sale items, future classes, & handmade or consignment items)

Come by & take a look at the project samples in the store

Call (480) 821-3758 now to save your space before they all fill up!

Thursday, November 10th

7:00-8:30pm

Techniques Class - "IMAGE TRANSFERS"
with Jack & Cat Curio           Cost: $15.00

Learn the magic of transferring your images & photos to fabrics, paper, & other surfaces using different techniques

VERY LIMITED SEATING -
     ONLY 1 SPACE LEFT!!
Friday, November 11th

10:30am-3:30pm

"PAPER BAG MINI ALBUM"
with Cheryl Wildman          Cost: $45.00

Photos don't do justice to this gorgeous album - it's a definite "must do"!

Saturday, November 12th

11:00am-2:00pm

MAKE-N-TAKE!
with Amy Row              Cost: $2.00
Creative Imaginations & Luminate Rep

Make beautiful tags with Creative Imaginations' newest product ~ "Real Wood"

Thursday, November 17th

7:00-8:30pm

"HOW-TO-DO-IT!" Series
with Jack & Cat Curio           Cost: $25.00

THIS WEEK'S TOPIC ~ "How to Choose & Set Up Your Online Store - Part 2"

Saturday, November 19th

10:00am-12:00 noon

"CRICUT TECHNIQUES"
with Nichole Russo          Cost: $15.00

Bring your machine & tools and learn the tricks & secrets to using these great machines.  These classes fill up quick, so sign up now!! 

Saturday, November 19th

1:00am-3:00pm

"CRICUT PROJECT"

with Nichole Russo          Cost: $20.00

Bring your basic tool kit & favorite adhesive to make a great project with Nichole!  Perfect compliment to the "Cricut Techniques" morning class - make a day of it!

Thursday, December 1st

7:00-8:30pm

"HOW-TO-DO-IT!" Series
with Jack & Cat Curio           Cost: $25.00
Join us for this very popular Series & learn the "Business Behind the Art"

VERY LIMITED SEATING -
     CLASS IS FILLING UP FAST!!
Friday, December 2nd

10:30am-3:30pm

"CHRISTMAS ENVELOPE MINI ALBUM"
with Cheryl Wildman            Cost: $35.00 / $45.00

Don't miss out on this beautiful album . . . this is the only time this class will be offered & is sure to sell out!



SNEAK PREVIEW . . . 

LIMITED SEATING!!
Saturday, December 10th

10:30am-3:30pm

"BELIEVE IN THE MAGIC CHRISTMAS ALBUM"
with Suzette Ricks            Cost: $85.00

Make your reservations early . . . this class is already filling up!

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Don't Miss Out . . . "Journey to OZ" With Us!

Time is running short, so to make your reservations now

and don't miss out on this fun-tastic class!

Saturday, September 24th   from 10:30 am - 3:30 pm

"Journey to OZ Album & Workbook"                $70.00
Follow the yellow brick road . . . and join Jack & Cat Curio, our favorite Design Team Members for Graphic 45, as they guide you into the Realm of OZ with their newest project using Graphic's "Magic of OZ" paper collection.

In this workshop, each student will be given a kit filled with paper, embellish-ments, trims, and more to create their own fabulous Emerald City three-ring chipboard album.  Don't miss out on a day filled with glitter techniques, giveaways, and wonderful OZ-like creativity.  Supplies to Bring: Feel free to bring your favorite detail cutters and adhesive.  Lunch and all other supplies will be provided. Pin It

Bad News . . . Good News!

The Friday, September 23rd "Halloween Mini-Album" class with Dana Edwards has sold out!  Not to worry, though . . . Dana has agreed to a command performance with two sessions on Friday, October 28th!!  If you want to create this wonderful album with Dana, be sure to make your reservations right away so you don't miss out.  Halloween is fast approaching and this will be your last chance for this year!

New Date & Times:
     Friday, October 28th
       First Session: 10:30 am - 2:00 pm
       Second Session: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Class Fee: $38 (incl. all supplies & lunch)

Come & join in the fun!

Call (480) 821-3758 or come into the store now

to make your reservations

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Look Who's Joined Us!

Please join me in welcoming Tina Wishart as the newest teacher to join the CraftFusion calendar!  We all know Tina for her fabulous projects in the past and look forward to many more here at CraftFusion.  Welcome, Tina!

Don't miss out on Tina's upcoming classes already scheduled on the calendar. Be sure to make your reservations right away by coming in the store or calling (480) 821-3758, as I'm sure they'll fill up quick!

Saturday, October 8th from 10:30 am - 3:00 pm
"Altered Book & Album"                        $50.00
Create an altered book full of fun techniques with a family & home theme. You'll ink, stamp, hammer, bead and paint your way through class. You'll have the opportunity to choose items to make the book your own. Each one will be unique! Supplies to Bring with You: paper trimmer, scissors, liquid glue, any of your favorite inks (earth tones will be available), and any photos you'd like to include (optional-may be added later). Lunch and all other items will be provided.



Saturday, November 5th 
from 10:30 am - 2:30 pm
"Simply Charming Bracelet"     $45.00
Join Tina in creating this adorable charm bracelet with found objects, rolled paper beads, UTEE, shrink art & other fun techniques! Each one will be different as you will be able to choose the items that you like the most.  Don't miss out on the fun!   Supplies to Bring: needle nose pliers . . . lunch and everything else will be provided.  Pin It